Patch Designing Help!

[PhoenixRisen]

Ok, so as some are aware, I'm in the final stages of chartering a CAP School Program unit at my high school.  I've talked to my teacher (who'll serve as the CC) very, very briefly about the topic of patch/seal designing, and was hoping I could get some ideas to help us out for when we discuss this further (instead of just having our two thoughts).

If it helps any, we're a School Program unit (as stated) in southern (Escondido) California.

Our unit number 714 is in honor/recognition of Capt Eugene "Gene" Devlin, the Thunderbirds pilot who was killed during a show in the late 60's (if you're wondering how he and the number 714 all tie in with us, PM me).

Our school seal looks like this:


Any help would be greatly appreciated!  I've never designed a patch before, and I need all the help I can get!

[♠SARKID♠]

How about these?

Not perfect, but the best I can get considering I'm using the broke man's photoshop (Gimp 2.0)

[AlphaSigOU]

Like the first design, but suggest that you use a disk with a scroll above and below the disk - command shields are traditionally reserved in the AF for groups and higher. (I know CAP doesn't have such a restriction in most wings but we should follow the heraldry design rules of Ma Blue.) You should never deface a shield or disk with text. Big no-no in heraldic design.

BTW, it's 'ESCONDIDO' and not 'ESCONADO'. 

Keep the elements of the seal (torch, diploma, mortarboard and pen with book) within the disk. Top scroll: "ESCONDIDO CADET SQUADRON 714" (without the quotes). Bottom scroll: "EDUCATION OUR MISSION" (no quotes).

[arajca]

IIRC, the AF heraldry standard has unit designation on the lower scroll and unit motto on the upper.

[Pylon]

IIRC, the AF heraldry standard has unit designation on the lower scroll and unit motto on the upper.

You do recall correctly. 

[Eclipse]

Don't assume your wing doesn't have a requirement to conform to the rules of heraldry. 

Mine does in a published supplement.

My first pass, with an attempt to incorporate the colors above.




Yes, this borrows heavily from AETC, which in this case is wholly appropriate (IMHO).

[Ladyhawk]

I've done some patch design work both for my unit and my group.  I found the "Guide to Air Force Heraldry" very helpful.  Here's the URL:

http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/heraldry/heraldry.html

The round patch is appropriate for a squadron.  The shield and scroll is used for groups and above. 

Be sure to check the significance of your color choices as they have specific meanings in heraldry.

[alamrcn]

I've done some patch design work both for my unit and my group.  I found the "Guide to Air Force Heraldry" very helpful.

The website is good, but I see they took down the PDF version... luckily I saved a copy!
http://www.incountry.us/cappatches/library/AFI84-105_060201.pdf

If you want some shapes to print out and draw on, or work with on the 'puter - There are a bunch of various ones here as well as some tips not already mentioned by others here...
http://www.incountry.us/cappatches/creation.html

Keep posting your work, it's fun to see the progression!

-Ace

[jason.pennington]

CAWG does not have any published requirements.  I designed the patch for the first SEP unit in CAWG.  All that is required for the Wing Commander toapprove it is:

Design the patch so that it will fit on the right BDU pocket.
Write a paragraph explaining all the elements of the patch, including the colors chosen.
Submit design and paragraph directly to the Wing Commander, you may have to go through the Vice Commander, South.  But the Group Commanders do not get involved.

Good luck!

[PhoenixRisen]

Thanks for the help, all - I didn't expect this much so fast!  I really appreciate it!

I don't have much time to respond to specific posts, as I'm about to leave to head up to LA AFB, but I'll get back to y'all when I get back.

Thanks again!

[♠SARKID♠]

BTW, it's 'ESCONDIDO' and not 'ESCONADO'. 

How'd I manage to screw that up?

As for the command shield, thats what most have in WIWG including my squadron so when I think of 'squadron patch' I default to a command shield style.

[mikeylikey]

^ hmmm.......can you throw some examples up for us from WIWG.  I like looking at them!

[♠SARKID♠]

http://www.incountry.us/cappatches/WI/index.html

About half are command shield.

[mikeylikey]

^  Thanks!



^Is that legal......as in CAP is permitted to use the AF logo?  I thought they said no to that?

[jimmydeanno]

e. Commanders may use the symbol effective immediately on "perishable"
products and those involving limited expense, such as printed material, clothing,
coins, etc. The symbol should not be applied at this time to other "nonperishable"
uses such as aircraft and vehicles. Commanders retain discretion to decide how
the symbol is used in their organizations, consistent with these guidelines.

I don't see anything in the whole section that says we can't use it on patches...

[Bear Walling]

Anyone want to take a crack at designing a patch for my new squadron (Eagle Composite Squadron, to be located in Morehead, Kentucky)? We really dont have a motto, but I was thinking along the lines of "Ready. Willing. Able." since we will focus mainly on Cadet Programs and SAR.

I posted two designs I did on another thread, but I want to see what ya'll come up with. Heck, I might like them better. Feel free to give us a good slogan too.

Only thing I ask is that you use my friend "Beaker". He is attached.

[SarDragon]

^  Thanks!
[image redacted]
^Is that legal......as in CAP is permitted to use the AF logo?  I thought they said no to that?

USAF has some very specific guidelines here, regarding the use of that logo. It does not appear that the patch above meets those guielines.

[arajca]

Only thing I ask is that you use my friend "Beaker". He is attached.

Is "Beaker" copyrighted or trademarked? If so, you will need to secure written permission from the holder to use the logo.

A few general design suggestions:
1. For squadron patches, use the disc with arcs.
2. Incorporate the colors of ultramarine blue (or a similar, deep blue) and AF Yellow (or gold) into the design. These colors are recommended by the AF for all AF unit patches.
3. As mentioned above, if using copyrighted materials, get permission to use it in writing from the copyright holder. Most clipart is copyrighted with a release for personal use. Personal use DOES NOT include organzational insignia, emblems, or patches.
4. Keep a copy of the release with your design notes for your historian. Send a COPY to your wing, region, and the national historian along with a sample of the patch and color image.
5. It is a nice touch to incorporate the prop and triangle in the patch if possible.
6. In heraldry, metals (gold/yellow, silver/grey/white) do not touch. Similarly, nonmetals also do not touch. Try to follow this guideline, but do not make it an over-riding factor.
7. Google "heraldry" and "heraldic design" for more detailed tips and history.
8. Keep in mind that every color, shape, animal, dievice, item, etc have specific meanings in traditional heraldry. When you finished your design, do a little research to see if your design sends a clear message. See 7. for how.

Yes, some of this may be overkill, but it is impressive if you can blazon* your design properly.



*blazon. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved January 19, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blazon (second entry, 1a)

[PhoenixRisen]

Someone said "beaker", and I automatically thought of this guy:

[afgeo4]

I would use the inner disc for the design and eliminate the cap on top right and book on bottom left. Leave the flame and scroll in red. Add a golden prop and do the background in blue. Then add the unit name and motto as appropriate.